Abstract

A novel instrument that is capable of taking spectral extinction
measurements over long optical paths (approximately 1–100 m) in
the UV, visible, and IR ranges is described. The instrument is
fully automated, and the extinction spectrum is acquired in almost real
time (approximately 5–10 s) with a resolution of ∼3 nm. Its
sensitivity and accuracy were estimated by tests carried out in a clean
room that showed that, for optical paths between 50 and 100 m, the
extinction coefficient can be detected at levels of
∼10-5 m-1. Tests carried out on
calibrated latex particles showed that, when it was combined with an
appropriate inversion method, the technique could be profitably applied
to characterize airborne particulate distributions. By carrying out
measurements over optical paths of ∼100 m, the instrument is also
capable of detecting extinction coefficients that are due to aerosol
concentrations well below the limits imposed by the European Economic
Community for atmospheric pollution (150
µg/m3). Scaled over optical paths of ∼10
m, the limit imposed for particle emissions from industrial plants
(10 mg/m3) can also be detected
sensitively.

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